Calling all Birders for Wetlands Study

Research will help conservation planning that benefits people and nature.

Lander, WY | April 23, 2014

The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming and partners are seeking citizen scientists with birding experience for a wetlands study scheduled to begin in May. The volunteer job entails documenting the species and number of birds you see in the southeastern Wyoming wetlands.

Wetlands are nature’s water filtration system. Like sponges, they absorb, store, and filter water from run-off and other sources, releasing it slowly downstream, which eventually becomes our drinking water. Wetlands also provide other natural services people benefit from, such as buffering communities from severe flooding events and offering recreational opportunities to photograph, fish, hunt and bird watch. Wetlands also provide important habitat for fish and wildlife—over 90% of Wyoming’s wildlife use wetland habitats.

This spring, in partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Ducks Unlimited, and other partners, Conservancy scientists will conduct a wetlands study in Goshen Hole, located in the southeast portion of Wyoming. Goshen Hole contains some of the densest and most diverse wetlands in Wyoming and encompasses miles of rolling hills, cultivated fields and mixed-grass prairie and floodplain of the lower North Platte River. The North Platte River is an important migration corridor for birds. Each year migrating waterfowl use this area for resting, feeding, breeding or nesting grounds.

The scientists will inventory soils and vegetation, monitor water quality, and document bird species. Birders and wildlife enthusiasts interested in participating through the growing trend of “citizen science” are encouraged to enter bird sightings in eBird.org to help document the type, abundance and diversity of birds present in SE Wyoming wetlands.

The data gathered during this study will be used to establish baseline conditions from which we can make conservation decisions that positively impact our natural area, its water, wildlife and local human communities.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org

The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 53-0242652) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

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